Groves whittler carves out niche online

Tim Monzing, Beaumont Enterprise

By Tim Monzingo

Updated 6:32 pm, Friday, July 5, 2013

When the weather cooperates, Gene Messer to work in his garage. But not just any old work. Here he is working on another bar of Zest soap which he turns into another small figure. Messer is an avid whittler featured in a special edition of a niche publication about woodworking in the September issue. He's got nearly 4,000 subscribers to his Youtube Chanel, which contains more than 1,500 instructional videos. He recently retired and has had to deal with a health issue, but plans to be back making vids again. He keeps a small collection at home and has been whittling for about 15 years and has a unique style known as flat plane carving. Here the head, hair, and ears, starts to take shape. Dave Ryan/The Enterprise

When the weather cooperates, Gene Messer to work in his garage. But...

When the weather cooperates, Gene Messer to work in his garage. But not just any old work. Here he is working on another bar of Zest soap which he turns into another small figure. Messer is an avid whittler featured in a special edition of a niche publication about woodworking in the September issue. He's got nearly 4,000 subscribers to his Youtube Chanel, which contains more than 1,500 instructional videos. He recently retired and has had to deal with a health issue, but plans to be back making vids again. He keeps a small collection at home and has been whittling for about 15 years and has a unique style known as flat plane carving. After the head work comes the body. Dave Ryan/The Enterprise

When the weather cooperates, Gene Messer to work in his garage. But...

When the weather cooperates, Gene Messer to work in his garage. But not just any old work. Here he is working on another bar of Zest soap which he turns into another small figure. Messer is an avid whittler featured in a special edition of a niche publication about woodworking in the September issue. He's got nearly 4,000 subscribers to his Youtube Chanel, which contains more than 1,500 instructional videos. He recently retired and has had to deal with a health issue, but plans to be back making vids again. He keeps a small collection at home and has been whittling for about 15 years and has a unique style known as flat plane carving. More detailed work is done on the twpe of hair the character will have. Dave Ryan/The Enterprise

When the weather cooperates, Gene Messer to work in his garage. But...

When the weather cooperates, Gene Messer to work in his garage. But not just any old work. Here he is working on another bar of Zest soap which he turns into another small figure. Messer is an avid whittler featured in a special edition of a niche publication about woodworking in the September issue. He's got nearly 4,000 subscribers to his Youtube Chanel, which contains more than 1,500 instructional videos. He recently retired and has had to deal with a health issue, but plans to be back making vids again. He keeps a small collection at home and has been whittling for about 15 years and has a unique style known as flat plane carving. More detailed work is now being done on the head and neck areas. Dave Ryan/The Enterprise
Photo: Dave Ryan

When the weather cooperates, Gene Messer to work in his garage. But...

When the weather cooperates, Gene Messer to work in his garage. But not just any old work. Here he is working on another bar of Zest soap which he turns into another small figure. Messer is an avid whittler featured in a special edition of a niche publication about woodworking in the September issue. He's got nearly 4,000 subscribers to his Youtube Chanel, which contains more than 1,500 instructional videos. He recently retired and has had to deal with a health issue, but plans to be back making vids again. He keeps a small collection at home and has been whittling for about 15 years and has a unique style known as flat plane carving. More detailed work is now being done on the head and neck areas. Dave Ryan/The Enterprise
Photo: Dave Ryan

When the weather cooperates, Gene Messer to work in his garage. But...

A Groves man, Gene Messer, is an avid whittler featured in a special edition of a niche publication about woodworking in the September issue. He's got nearly 4,000 subscribers to his Youtube Chanel, which contains more than 1,500 instructional videos. He recently retired and has had to deal with a health issue, but plans to be back making vids again. He keeps a small collection at home. He has been whittling for about 15 years and has a unique style known as flat plane carving. Here he talks about some of his pieces while holding a finished piece. Dave Ryan/The Enterprise

A Groves man, Gene Messer, is an avid whittler featured in a...

A Groves man, Gene Messer, is an avid whittler featured in a special edition of a niche publication about woodworking in the September issue. He's got nearly 4,000 subscribers to his Youtube Chanel, which contains more than 1,500 instructional videos. He recently retired and has had to deal with a health issue, but plans to be back making vids again. He keeps a small collection at home. He has been whittling for about 15 years and has a unique style known as flat plane carving. These are some examples of that work. Dave Ryan/The Enterprise
Photo: Dave Ryan

A Groves man, Gene Messer, is an avid whittler featured in a...

A Groves man, Gene Messer, is an avid whittler featured in a special edition of a niche publication about woodworking in the September issue. He's got nearly 4,000 subscribers to his Youtube Chanel, which contains more than 1,500 instructional videos. He recently retired and has had to deal with a health issue, but plans to be back making vids again. He keeps a small collection at home. He has been whittling for about 15 years and has a unique style known as flat plane carving. Here he talks about some of his pieces. Dave Ryan/The Enterprise
Photo: Dave Ryan

A Groves man, Gene Messer, is an avid whittler featured in a...

A Groves man, Gene Messer, is an avid whittler featured in a special edition of a niche publication about woodworking in the September issue. He's got nearly 4,000 subscribers to his Youtube Chanel, which contains more than 1,500 instructional videos. He recently retired and has had to deal with a health issue, but plans to be back making vids again. He keeps a small collection at home. He has been whittling for about 15 years and has a unique style known as flat plane carving. He recently started whittling soap bars while recovering from his recent surgery. These are some examples of that work. Dave Ryan/The Enterprise

A Groves man, Gene Messer, is an avid whittler featured in a...

A Groves man, Gene Messer, is an avid whittler featured in a special edition of a niche publication about woodworking in the September issue. He's got nearly 4,000 subscribers to his Youtube Chanel, which contains more than 1,500 instructional videos. He recently retired and has had to deal with a health issue, but plans to be back making vids again. He keeps a small collection at home and has been whittling for about 15 years and has a unique style known as flat plane carving. When the weather cooperates, he works in his garage. Dave Ryan/The Enterprise
Photo: Dave Ryan

A Groves man, Gene Messer, is an avid whittler featured in a...

A Groves man, Gene Messer, is an avid whittler featured in a special edition of a niche publication about woodworking in the September issue. He's got nearly 4,000 subscribers to his Youtube Chanel, which contains more than 1,500 instructional videos. He recently retired and has had to deal with a health issue, but plans to be back making vids again. He keeps a small collection at home. He has been whittling for about 15 years and has a unique style known as flat plane carving. He chooses to work mainly with Bass wood from the northwest and has to order it. Dave Ryan/The Enterprise
Photo: Dave Ryan

A Groves man, Gene Messer, is an avid whittler featured in a...

A Groves man, Gene Messer, is an avid whittler featured in a special edition of a niche publication about woodworking in the September issue. He's got nearly 4,000 subscribers to his Youtube Chanel, which contains more than 1,500 instructional videos. He recently retired and has had to deal with a health issue, but plans to be back making vids again. He keeps a small collection at home. He has been whittling for about 15 years and has a unique style known as flat plane carving. His knives are special and he keeps them in this small plastic box. Dave Ryan/The Enterprise
Photo: Dave Ryan

A Groves man, Gene Messer, is an avid whittler featured in a...

A Groves man, Gene Messer, is an avid whittler featured in a special edition of a niche publication about woodworking in the September issue. He's got nearly 4,000 subscribers to his Youtube Chanel, which contains more than 1,500 instructional videos. He recently retired and has had to deal with a health issue, but plans to be back making vids again. He keeps a small collection at home. He has been whittling for about 15 years and has a unique style known as flat plane carving. These are some examples of that work. Dave Ryan/The Enterprise
Photo: Dave Ryan

A Groves man, Gene Messer, is an avid whittler featured in a...

A Groves man, Gene Messer, is an avid whittler featured in a special edition of a niche publication about woodworking in the September issue. He's got nearly 4,000 subscribers to his Youtube Chanel, which contains more than 1,500 instructional videos. He recently retired and has had to deal with a health issue, but plans to be back making vids again. He keeps a small collection at home. He has been whittling for about 15 years and has a unique style known as flat plane carving. These are some examples of that work. Dave Ryan/The Enterprise
Photo: Dave Ryan

A Groves man, Gene Messer, is an avid whittler featured in a...

A Groves man, Gene Messer, is an avid whittler featured in a special edition of a niche publication about woodworking in the September issue. He's got nearly 4,000 subscribers to his Youtube Chanel, which contains more than 1,500 instructional videos. He recently retired and has had to deal with a health issue, but plans to be back making vids again. He keeps a small collection at home. He has been whittling for about 15 years and has a unique style known as flat plane carving. These are some examples of that work. Dave Ryan/The Enterprise
Photo: Dave Ryan

A Groves man, Gene Messer, is an avid whittler featured in a...

A Groves man, Gene Messer, is an avid whittler featured in a special edition of a niche publication about woodworking in the September issue. He's got nearly 4,000 subscribers to his Youtube Chanel, which contains more than 1,500 instructional videos. He recently retired and has had to deal with a health issue, but plans to be back making vids again. He keeps a small collection at home. He has been whittling for about 15 years and has a unique style known as flat plane carving. These are some examples of that work. Dave Ryan/The Enterprise
Photo: Dave Ryan

A Groves man, Gene Messer, is an avid whittler featured in a...

A Groves man, Gene Messer, is an avid whittler featured in a special edition of a niche publication about woodworking in the September issue. He's got nearly 4,000 subscribers to his Youtube Chanel, which contains more than 1,500 instructional videos. He recently retired and has had to deal with a health issue, but plans to be back making vids again. He keeps a small collection at home. He has been whittling for about 15 years and has a unique style known as flat plane carving. These are some examples of that work. Dave Ryan/The Enterprise

A Groves man, Gene Messer, is an avid whittler featured in a...

A Groves man, Gene Messer, is an avid whittler featured in a special edition of a niche publication about woodworking in the September issue. He's got nearly 4,000 subscribers to his Youtube Chanel, which contains more than 1,500 instructional videos. He recently retired and has had to deal with a health issue, but plans to be back making vids again. He keeps a small collection at home. He has been whittling for about 15 years and has a unique style known as flat plane carving. These are some examples of that work. Dave Ryan/The Enterprise
Photo: Dave Ryan

A Groves man, Gene Messer, is an avid whittler featured in a...

A Groves man, Gene Messer, is an avid whittler featured in a special edition of a niche publication about woodworking in the September issue. He's got nearly 4,000 subscribers to his Youtube Chanel, which contains more than 1,500 instructional videos. He recently retired and has had to deal with a health issue, but plans to be back making vids again. He keeps a small collection at home. He has been whittling for about 15 years and has a unique style known as flat plane carving. These are some examples of that work. Dave Ryan/The Enterprise

A Groves man, Gene Messer, is an avid whittler featured in a...

A Groves man, Gene Messer, is an avid whittler featured in a special edition of a niche publication about woodworking in the September issue. He's got nearly 4,000 subscribers to his Youtube Chanel, which contains more than 1,500 instructional videos. He recently retired and has had to deal with a health issue, but plans to be back making vids again. He keeps a small collection at home. He has been whittling for about 15 years and has a unique style known as flat plane carving. These are some examples of that work. Dave Ryan/The Enterprise

A Groves man, Gene Messer, is an avid whittler featured in a...

A Groves man, Gene Messer, is an avid whittler featured in a special edition of a niche publication about woodworking in the September issue. He's got nearly 4,000 subscribers to his Youtube Chanel, which contains more than 1,500 instructional videos. He recently retired and has had to deal with a health issue, but plans to be back making vids again. He keeps a small collection at home. He has been whittling for about 15 years and has a unique style known as flat plane carving. He recently started whittling soap bars while recovering from his recent surgery. These are some examples of that work. Dave Ryan/The Enterprise
Photo: Dave Ryan

A Groves man, Gene Messer, is an avid whittler featured in a...

A Groves man, Gene Messer, is an avid whittler featured in a special edition of a niche publication about woodworking in the September issue. He's got nearly 4,000 subscribers to his Youtube Chanel, which contains more than 1,500 instructional videos. He recently retired and has had to deal with a health issue, but plans to be back making vids again. He keeps a small collection at home. He has been whittling for about 15 years and has a unique style known as flat plane carving. He recently started whittling soap bars while recovering from his recent surgery. These are some examples of that work. Dave Ryan/The Enterprise
Photo: Dave Ryan

A Groves man, Gene Messer, is an avid whittler featured in a...

A Groves man, Gene Messer, is an avid whittler featured in a special edition of a niche publication about woodworking in the September issue. He's got nearly 4,000 subscribers to his Youtube Chanel, which contains more than 1,500 instructional videos. He recently retired and has had to deal with a health issue, but plans to be back making vids again. He keeps a small collection at home. He has been whittling for about 15 years and has a unique style known as flat plane carving. These are some examples of that work. Dave Ryan/The Enterprise
Photo: Dave Ryan

A Groves man, Gene Messer, is an avid whittler featured in a...

A Groves man, Gene Messer, is an avid whittler featured in a special edition of a niche publication about woodworking in the September issue. He's got nearly 4,000 subscribers to his Youtube Chanel, which contains more than 1,500 instructional videos. He recently retired and has had to deal with a health issue, but plans to be back making vids again. He keeps a small collection at home. He has been whittling for about 15 years and has a unique style known as flat plane carving. These are some examples of that work. Dave Ryan/The Enterprise
Photo: Dave Ryan

A Groves man, Gene Messer, is an avid whittler featured in a...

A Groves man, Gene Messer, is an avid whittler featured in a special edition of a niche publication about woodworking in the September issue. He's got nearly 4,000 subscribers to his Youtube Chanel, which contains more than 1,500 instructional videos. He recently retired and has had to deal with a health issue, but plans to be back making vids again. He keeps a small collection at home. He has been whittling for about 15 years and has a unique style known as flat plane carving. These are some examples of that work. Dave Ryan/The Enterprise
Photo: Dave Ryan

A Groves man, Gene Messer, is an avid whittler featured in a...

A Groves man, Gene Messer, is an avid whittler featured in a special edition of a niche publication about woodworking in the September issue. He's got nearly 4,000 subscribers to his Youtube Chanel, which contains more than 1,500 instructional videos. He recently retired and has had to deal with a health issue, but plans to be back making vids again. He keeps a small collection at home. He has been whittling for about 15 years and has a unique style known as flat plane carving. He recently started whittling soap bars while recovering from his recent surgery. These are some examples of that work. Dave Ryan/The Enterprise

A Groves man, Gene Messer, is an avid whittler featured in a...

A Groves man, Gene Messer, is an avid whittler featured in a special edition of a niche publication about woodworking in the September issue. He's got nearly 4,000 subscribers to his Youtube Chanel, which contains more than 1,500 instructional videos. He recently retired and has had to deal with a health issue, but plans to be back making vids again. He keeps a small collection at home. He has been whittling for about 15 years and has a unique style known as flat plane carving. He recently started whittling soap bars while recovering from his recent surgery. These are some examples of that work. Dave Ryan/The Enterprise

A Groves man, Gene Messer, is an avid whittler featured in a...

A Groves man, Gene Messer, is an avid whittler featured in a special edition of a niche publication about woodworking in the September issue. He's got nearly 4,000 subscribers to his Youtube Chanel, which contains more than 1,500 instructional videos. He recently retired and has had to deal with a health issue, but plans to be back making vids again. He keeps a small collection at home. He has been whittling for about 15 years and has a unique style known as flat plane carving. These are some examples of that work. Dave Ryan/The Enterprise
Photo: Dave Ryan

A Groves man, Gene Messer, is an avid whittler featured in a...

A Groves man, Gene Messer, is an avid whittler featured in a special edition of a niche publication about woodworking in the September issue. He's got nearly 4,000 subscribers to his Youtube Chanel, which contains more than 1,500 instructional videos. He recently retired and has had to deal with a health issue, but plans to be back making vids again. He keeps a small collection at home. He has been whittling for about 15 years and has a unique style known as flat plane carving. These are some examples of that work. Dave Ryan/The Enterprise
Photo: Dave Ryan

A Groves man, Gene Messer, is an avid whittler featured in a...

A Groves man, Gene Messer, is an avid whittler featured in a special edition of a niche publication about woodworking in the September issue. He's got nearly 4,000 subscribers to his Youtube Chanel, which contains more than 1,500 instructional videos. He recently retired and has had to deal with a health issue, but plans to be back making vids again. He keeps a small collection at home. He has been whittling for about 15 years and has a unique style known as flat plane carving. These are some examples of that work. Dave Ryan/The Enterprise
Photo: Dave Ryan

A Groves man, Gene Messer, is an avid whittler featured in a...

A Groves man, Gene Messer, is an avid whittler featured in a special edition of a niche publication about woodworking in the September issue. He's got nearly 4,000 subscribers to his Youtube Chanel, which contains more than 1,500 instructional videos. He recently retired and has had to deal with a health issue, but plans to be back making vids again. He keeps a small collection at home and has been whittling for about 15 years and has a unique style known as flat plane carving. When the weather cooperates, he likes to work in his garage. Here he is working on another bar of Zest soap. Dave Ryan/The Enterprise
Photo: Dave Ryan

A Groves man, Gene Messer, is an avid whittler featured in a...

A Groves man, Gene Messer, is an avid whittler featured in a special edition of a niche publication about woodworking in the September issue. He's got nearly 4,000 subscribers to his Youtube Chanel, which contains more than 1,500 instructional videos. He recently retired and has had to deal with a health issue, but plans to be back making vids again. He keeps a small collection at home and has been whittling for about 15 years and has a unique style known as flat plane carving. When the weather cooperates, he likes to work in his garage. Here he is working on another bar of Zest soap. Dave Ryan/The Enterprise
Photo: Dave Ryan

A Groves man, Gene Messer, is an avid whittler featured in a...

When the weather cooperates, Gene Messer to work in his garage. But not just any old work. Here he is working on another bar of Zest soap which he turns into another small figure. Messer is an avid whittler featured in a special edition of a niche publication about woodworking in the September issue. He's got nearly 4,000 subscribers to his Youtube Chanel, which contains more than 1,500 instructional videos. He recently retired and has had to deal with a health issue, but plans to be back making vids again. He keeps a small collection at home and has been whittling for about 15 years and has a unique style known as flat plane carving. Here he shaves the bar into more of a block before starting the body. Dave Ryan/The Enterprise
Photo: Dave Ryan

When the weather cooperates, Gene Messer to work in his garage. But...

When the weather cooperates, Gene Messer to work in his garage. But not just any old work. Here he is working on another bar of Zest soap which he turns into another small figure. Messer is an avid whittler featured in a special edition of a niche publication about woodworking in the September issue. He's got nearly 4,000 subscribers to his Youtube Chanel, which contains more than 1,500 instructional videos. He recently retired and has had to deal with a health issue, but plans to be back making vids again. He keeps a small collection at home and has been whittling for about 15 years and has a unique style known as flat plane carving. Here he shaves the bottom of the bar into the early stages of the feet. Dave Ryan/The Enterprise
Photo: Dave Ryan

When the weather cooperates, Gene Messer to work in his garage. But...

When the weather cooperates, Gene Messer to work in his garage. But not just any old work. Here he is working on another bar of Zest soap which he turns into another small figure. Messer is an avid whittler featured in a special edition of a niche publication about woodworking in the September issue. He's got nearly 4,000 subscribers to his Youtube Chanel, which contains more than 1,500 instructional videos. He recently retired and has had to deal with a health issue, but plans to be back making vids again. He keeps a small collection at home and has been whittling for about 15 years and has a unique style known as flat plane carving. As he shaves the bar, more pieces hit the floor. Dave Ryan/The Enterprise
Photo: Dave Ryan

When the weather cooperates, Gene Messer to work in his garage. But...

When the weather cooperates, Gene Messer to work in his garage. But not just any old work. Here he is working on another bar of Zest soap which he turns into another small figure. Messer is an avid whittler featured in a special edition of a niche publication about woodworking in the September issue. He's got nearly 4,000 subscribers to his Youtube Chanel, which contains more than 1,500 instructional videos. He recently retired and has had to deal with a health issue, but plans to be back making vids again. He keeps a small collection at home and has been whittling for about 15 years and has a unique style known as flat plane carving. Here he shaves the bottom of the bar into the early stages of the feet. Dave Ryan/The Enterprise
Photo: Dave Ryan

When the weather cooperates, Gene Messer to work in his garage. But...

When the weather cooperates, Gene Messer to work in his garage. But not just any old work. Here he is working on another bar of Zest soap which he turns into another small figure. Messer is an avid whittler featured in a special edition of a niche publication about woodworking in the September issue. He's got nearly 4,000 subscribers to his Youtube Chanel, which contains more than 1,500 instructional videos. He recently retired and has had to deal with a health issue, but plans to be back making vids again. He keeps a small collection at home and has been whittling for about 15 years and has a unique style known as flat plane carving. Here he shaves the bottom of the bar into the early stages of the feet. Dave Ryan/The Enterprise
Photo: Dave Ryan

When the weather cooperates, Gene Messer to work in his garage. But...

When the weather cooperates, Gene Messer to work in his garage. But not just any old work. Here he is working on another bar of Zest soap which he turns into another small figure. Messer is an avid whittler featured in a special edition of a niche publication about woodworking in the September issue. He's got nearly 4,000 subscribers to his Youtube Chanel, which contains more than 1,500 instructional videos. He recently retired and has had to deal with a health issue, but plans to be back making vids again. He keeps a small collection at home and has been whittling for about 15 years and has a unique style known as flat plane carving. Here he shapes the arm in a pocket and the other arm hanging. Dave Ryan/The Enterprise
Photo: Dave Ryan

When the weather cooperates, Gene Messer to work in his garage. But...

When the weather cooperates, Gene Messer to work in his garage. But not just any old work. Here he is working on another bar of Zest soap which he turns into another small figure. Messer is an avid whittler featured in a special edition of a niche publication about woodworking in the September issue. He's got nearly 4,000 subscribers to his Youtube Chanel, which contains more than 1,500 instructional videos. He recently retired and has had to deal with a health issue, but plans to be back making vids again. He keeps a small collection at home and has been whittling for about 15 years and has a unique style known as flat plane carving. He likes to work fast. Dave Ryan/The Enterprise
Photo: Dave Ryan

When the weather cooperates, Gene Messer to work in his garage. But...

When the weather cooperates, Gene Messer to work in his garage. But not just any old work. Here he is working on another bar of Zest soap which he turns into another small figure. Messer is an avid whittler featured in a special edition of a niche publication about woodworking in the September issue. He's got nearly 4,000 subscribers to his Youtube Chanel, which contains more than 1,500 instructional videos. He recently retired and has had to deal with a health issue, but plans to be back making vids again. He keeps a small collection at home and has been whittling for about 15 years and has a unique style known as flat plane carving. Every few minutes, he has to stop and look at the details of his work. Dave Ryan/The Enterprise
Photo: Dave Ryan

When the weather cooperates, Gene Messer to work in his garage. But...

When the weather cooperates, Gene Messer to work in his garage. But not just any old work. Here he is working on another bar of Zest soap which he turns into another small figure. Messer is an avid whittler featured in a special edition of a niche publication about woodworking in the September issue. He's got nearly 4,000 subscribers to his Youtube Chanel, which contains more than 1,500 instructional videos. He recently retired and has had to deal with a health issue, but plans to be back making vids again. He keeps a small collection at home and has been whittling for about 15 years and has a unique style known as flat plane carving. Here the head starts to take shape. Dave Ryan/The Enterprise
Photo: Dave Ryan

When the weather cooperates, Gene Messer to work in his garage. But...

When the weather cooperates, Gene Messer to work in his garage. But not just any old work. Here he is working on another bar of Zest soap which he turns into another small figure. Messer is an avid whittler featured in a special edition of a niche publication about woodworking in the September issue. He's got nearly 4,000 subscribers to his Youtube Chanel, which contains more than 1,500 instructional videos. He recently retired and has had to deal with a health issue, but plans to be back making vids again. He keeps a small collection at home and has been whittling for about 15 years and has a unique style known as flat plane carving. Here the head starts to take shape. Dave Ryan/The Enterprise
Photo: Dave Ryan

When the weather cooperates, Gene Messer to work in his garage. But...

When the weather cooperates, Gene Messer to work in his garage. But not just any old work. Here he is working on another bar of Zest soap which he turns into another small figure. Messer is an avid whittler featured in a special edition of a niche publication about woodworking in the September issue. He's got nearly 4,000 subscribers to his Youtube Chanel, which contains more than 1,500 instructional videos. He recently retired and has had to deal with a health issue, but plans to be back making vids again. He keeps a small collection at home and has been whittling for about 15 years and has a unique style known as flat plane carving. Here the head, hair, and ears, starts to take shape. Dave Ryan/The Enterprise
Photo: Dave Ryan

When the weather cooperates, Gene Messer to work in his garage. But...

When the weather cooperates, Gene Messer to work in his garage. But not just any old work. Here he is working on another bar of Zest soap which he turns into another small figure. Messer is an avid whittler featured in a special edition of a niche publication about woodworking in the September issue. He's got nearly 4,000 subscribers to his Youtube Chanel, which contains more than 1,500 instructional videos. He recently retired and has had to deal with a health issue, but plans to be back making vids again. He keeps a small collection at home and has been whittling for about 15 years and has a unique style known as flat plane carving. After the head work comes the body and hands. Dave Ryan/The Enterprise
Photo: Dave Ryan

When the weather cooperates, Gene Messer to work in his garage. But...

When the weather cooperates, Gene Messer to work in his garage. But not just any old work. Here he is working on another bar of Zest soap which he turns into another small figure. Messer is an avid whittler featured in a special edition of a niche publication about woodworking in the September issue. He's got nearly 4,000 subscribers to his Youtube Chanel, which contains more than 1,500 instructional videos. He recently retired and has had to deal with a health issue, but plans to be back making vids again. He keeps a small collection at home and has been whittling for about 15 years and has a unique style known as flat plane carving. After the head work comes the body and hands. Dave Ryan/The Enterprise
Photo: Dave Ryan

When the weather cooperates, Gene Messer to work in his garage. But...

When the weather cooperates, Gene Messer to work in his garage. But not just any old work. Here he is working on another bar of Zest soap which he turns into another small figure. Messer is an avid whittler featured in a special edition of a niche publication about woodworking in the September issue. He's got nearly 4,000 subscribers to his Youtube Chanel, which contains more than 1,500 instructional videos. He recently retired and has had to deal with a health issue, but plans to be back making vids again. He keeps a small collection at home and has been whittling for about 15 years and has a unique style known as flat plane carving. Every few minutes, he has to stop and look at the details of his work. Dave Ryan/The Enterprise
Photo: Dave Ryan

When the weather cooperates, Gene Messer to work in his garage. But...

When the weather cooperates, Gene Messer to work in his garage. But not just any old work. Here he is working on another bar of Zest soap which he turns into another small figure. Messer is an avid whittler featured in a special edition of a niche publication about woodworking in the September issue. He's got nearly 4,000 subscribers to his Youtube Chanel, which contains more than 1,500 instructional videos. He recently retired and has had to deal with a health issue, but plans to be back making vids again. He keeps a small collection at home and has been whittling for about 15 years and has a unique style known as flat plane carving. More detailed work is done on the legs and feet. Dave Ryan/The Enterprise
Photo: Dave Ryan

When the weather cooperates, Gene Messer to work in his garage. But...

When the weather cooperates, Gene Messer to work in his garage. But not just any old work. Here he is working on another bar of Zest soap which he turns into another small figure. Messer is an avid whittler featured in a special edition of a niche publication about woodworking in the September issue. He's got nearly 4,000 subscribers to his Youtube Chanel, which contains more than 1,500 instructional videos. He recently retired and has had to deal with a health issue, but plans to be back making vids again. He keeps a small collection at home and has been whittling for about 15 years and has a unique style known as flat plane carving. More detailed work is done on the legs and feet. Dave Ryan/The Enterprise
Photo: Dave Ryan

When the weather cooperates, Gene Messer to work in his garage. But...

When the weather cooperates, Gene Messer to work in his garage. But not just any old work. Here he is working on another bar of Zest soap which he turns into another small figure. Messer is an avid whittler featured in a special edition of a niche publication about woodworking in the September issue. He's got nearly 4,000 subscribers to his Youtube Chanel, which contains more than 1,500 instructional videos. He recently retired and has had to deal with a health issue, but plans to be back making vids again. He keeps a small collection at home and has been whittling for about 15 years and has a unique style known as flat plane carving. More detailed work is done on the twpe of hair the character will have. Dave Ryan/The Enterprise
Photo: Dave Ryan

When the weather cooperates, Gene Messer to work in his garage. But...

When the weather cooperates, Gene Messer to work in his garage. But not just any old work. Here he is working on another bar of Zest soap which he turns into another small figure. Messer is an avid whittler featured in a special edition of a niche publication about woodworking in the September issue. He's got nearly 4,000 subscribers to his Youtube Chanel, which contains more than 1,500 instructional videos. He recently retired and has had to deal with a health issue, but plans to be back making vids again. He keeps a small collection at home and has been whittling for about 15 years and has a unique style known as flat plane carving. More detailed work is now being done on the nose and mouth. Dave Ryan/The Enterprise
Photo: Dave Ryan

When the weather cooperates, Gene Messer to work in his garage. But...

When the weather cooperates, Gene Messer to work in his garage. But not just any old work. Here he is working on another bar of Zest soap which he turns into another small figure. Messer is an avid whittler featured in a special edition of a niche publication about woodworking in the September issue. He's got nearly 4,000 subscribers to his Youtube Chanel, which contains more than 1,500 instructional videos. He recently retired and has had to deal with a health issue, but plans to be back making vids again. He keeps a small collection at home and has been whittling for about 15 years and has a unique style known as flat plane carving. More detailed work is now being done on the nose and mouth. Dave Ryan/The Enterprise
Photo: Dave Ryan

When the weather cooperates, Gene Messer to work in his garage. But...

When the weather cooperates, Gene Messer to work in his garage. But not just any old work. Here he is working on another bar of Zest soap which he turns into another small figure. Messer is an avid whittler featured in a special edition of a niche publication about woodworking in the September issue. He's got nearly 4,000 subscribers to his Youtube Chanel, which contains more than 1,500 instructional videos. He recently retired and has had to deal with a health issue, but plans to be back making vids again. He keeps a small collection at home and has been whittling for about 15 years and has a unique style known as flat plane carving. More detailed work is now being done on the nose and mouth. Dave Ryan/The Enterprise
Photo: Dave Ryan

When the weather cooperates, Gene Messer to work in his garage. But...

When the weather cooperates, Gene Messer to work in his garage. But not just any old work. Here he is working on another bar of Zest soap which he turns into another small figure. Messer is an avid whittler featured in a special edition of a niche publication about woodworking in the September issue. He's got nearly 4,000 subscribers to his Youtube Chanel, which contains more than 1,500 instructional videos. He recently retired and has had to deal with a health issue, but plans to be back making vids again. He keeps a small collection at home and has been whittling for about 15 years and has a unique style known as flat plane carving. Every few minutes, he has to stop and look at the details of his work. Dave Ryan/The Enterprise
Photo: Dave Ryan

When the weather cooperates, Gene Messer to work in his garage. But...

When the weather cooperates, Gene Messer to work in his garage. But not just any old work. Here he is working on another bar of Zest soap which he turns into another small figure. Messer is an avid whittler featured in a special edition of a niche publication about woodworking in the September issue. He's got nearly 4,000 subscribers to his Youtube Chanel, which contains more than 1,500 instructional videos. He recently retired and has had to deal with a health issue, but plans to be back making vids again. He keeps a small collection at home and has been whittling for about 15 years and has a unique style known as flat plane carving. The finished piece waits to be sprayed with acrylic spray which will harden the soap. Dave Ryan/The Enterprise
Photo: Dave Ryan

When the weather cooperates, Gene Messer to work in his garage. But...

Gene Messer is an avid whittler featured in a special edition of a niche publication about woodworking in the September issue. He's got nearly 4,000 subscribers to his Youtube Chanel, which contains more than 1,500 instructional videos. He recently retired and has had to deal with a health issue, but plans to be back making vids again. He keeps a small collection at home and has been whittling for about 15 years and has a unique style known as flat plane carving. Since he works with Bass wood, he keeps a supply in his garage. Dave Ryan/The Enterprise
Photo: Dave Ryan

Gene Messer is an avid whittler featured in a special edition of a...

Gene Messer is an avid whittler featured in a special edition of a niche publication about woodworking in the September issue. He's got nearly 4,000 subscribers to his Youtube Chanel, which contains more than 1,500 instructional videos. He recently retired and has had to deal with a health issue, but plans to be back making vids again. He keeps a small collection at home and has been whittling for about 15 years and has a unique style known as flat plane carving. Around the garage were pieces people have sent him to finish based on their requests. Dave Ryan/The Enterprise
Photo: Dave Ryan

Many people won't recognize Gene Messer's name, but a talent and affinity for an old-world craft brought the Groves resident new-world fame.

Messer retired July 1 from a decades-long career in the chemical industry, but he's still busy in his community, helping take care of grandchildren and keeping up with a sizeable fan base online.

The 61-year-old Groves man said he picked up woodcarving 25 years ago when his wife was diagnosed with breast cancer.

"We spent a lot of time in hospitals," said Messer, whose wife battled the disease for six years. "I had to do something."

So he picked up a knife and a few books and quickly found himself immersed in woodcarving. He said when he started, there weren't a lot of resources out there for someone interested in learning the art.

Even after cancer took his wife, he kept up the hobby. He's since remarried.

Over the years, Messer honed his skills just about wherever he could.

At work, his bosses paid little attention to him as he sliced thin flakes of wood in his downtime.

Whenever he was waiting at the doctor's offices with his wife at the MD Anderson Cancer Center, he'd open up a small toolbox with his knives and chip and slice away at a project or figurine. He intentionally worked over the box so as not to leave a mess behind, he said.

People would notice.

They would flock around him and watch the transformation of a chunk of wood into a bearded hobo, a Santa Claus, a dog or whatever else was running through Messer's mind at the time.

Messer said that up until 2007, he had no idea what YouTube was. When he found it, he saw an opportunity.

He set up a camera in his garage, which doubles as his workshop. He filmed himself slicing and dicing away at a block of basswood, which he prefers for his carvings. From start to finish, he explained the woodcarving process in simple terms.

He posted the video online and it didn't take long for the messages to start flowing in, he said.

"It really shocked me," he said. "I was just doing something I enjoyed."

On YouTube.com, Messer goes by the name Whittler0507. He has more than 1,500 of the teaching videos online. They have garnered more than 2 million combined views. Almost 4,000 people are subscribed to his channel.

As a result, Messer said he's developed friends around the globe who've tuned in to his lessons and who've sent him messages about his work.

"They were just fascinated with the art," he said.

He isn't sure exactly why so many people are enamored with his hobby, but he thinks it has to do with today's mass-produced culture.

The ready availability of cheaply made goods has affected people's interest and willingness to pay for hand-made items, he said, and many don't have the knowledge to make things by hand anymore.

The videos serve as a teaching tool and a kind of record of the folk art.

"I try to keep and preserve what I can," he said. "When I die, there's something there now that's left."

Messer recently wrote a piece for "Woodcarving Illustrated," which published a special issue titled, "Whittling." In it is a step-by-step guide by Messer on how to carve a whale from a bar of soap.

Over the years, he's lost count of just how many figures and pieces he's carved up, but there is one number that sticks in his heard.

"I think I've sold one carving," he said. "The lord blessed me to have a good job at a refinery all my life."

It isn't about making money. He said he doesn't need the extra income. It's about the opportunity to teach and have some fun doing it. And it was all born, he said, out of sadness.